study<\/a>, published in the International Journal of Biometeorology, analyzed reported cases of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley fever, from 2013 to 2022. Researchers found that incidence rates more than tripled during that time.<\/p>\nValley fever is caused by inhaling spores of a soil-dwelling fungus that become airborne under certain environmental conditions. While often mild, the disease can lead to serious respiratory illness and, in some cases, long-term complications and even death.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese results suggest that it\u2019s not just typical dusty conditions driving infections, but more intense and episodic environmental events,\u201d said Thomas Gill, Ph.D., a professor in the UTEP Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences, and co-author of the study. \u201cExtreme wind and dust events may disturb soils in ways that release larger amounts of the fungus into the air.\u201d<\/p>\n
The research team used advanced statistical modeling to examine how weather patterns and air quality influence disease trends. Their findings show that higher disease incidence was associated with temperatures exceeding 102 degrees Fahrenheit in the prior month, peak wind gusts above 64 miles per hour several months earlier, and unusually high concentrations of dust particles in the air, particularly those that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller.<\/p>\n
Although Valley fever is not contagious and is a reportable condition in El Paso County, researchers caution that the disease is likely underdiagnosed. Many cases present with symptoms similar to other illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia or even COVID-19, which can delay proper diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n
Gabriel Ibarra-Mejia, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of public health sciences and one of the lead researchers, emphasized the importance of these findings for public health planning.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur work shows that Valley fever risk can be anticipated based on environmental signals,\u201d Ibarra-Mejia said. \u201cBy recognizing the conditions that precede increases in cases, health officials and clinicians can be better prepared to detect, diagnose and respond to this disease.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study also identified seasonal patterns, with the highest number of reported cases occurring in the summer months, particularly July and August.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis research underscores the environmental factors in our region that contribute to breathing in Coccidioides fungus spores,\u201d said C. Scott Kruse, Ph.D., dean of the UTEP College of Health Sciences. \u201cThis includes air quality and climate-related risks that significantly impact public health, particularly in vulnerable communities.”<\/p>\n
El Paso\u2019s location in the Chihuahuan Desert, combined with frequent dust activity and increasing development, may further contribute to rising exposure risks, Ibarra-Mejia explained. He also noted that land disturbance from construction and urban expansion could also play a role in releasing fungal spores into the air.<\/p>\n
The findings highlight the need for increased awareness among both the public and health care providers, especially during periods following extreme weather events, the researchers said.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstanding the connection between climate and disease is no longer optional,\u201d Gill said. \u201cIt\u2019s essential for building resilient communities in regions like ours.\u201d<\/p>\n
Narges Khanjani, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics in the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech Health El Paso, was the co-lead author of the study, with additional contributions from researchers at New Mexico State University, the University of California, Merced and other institutions.<\/p>\n
About The University of Texas at El Paso<\/p>\n
The University of Texas at El Paso is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 26,000 students are Hispanic, and more than half are the first in their families to go to college. With respect to research, UTEP is in the top 5% of universities in America and offers 169 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.<\/p>\n
Last Updated on May 04, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published May 04, 2026<\/p>\n
By MC Staff
\n UTEP Marketing and Communications
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![\"Gabriel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/260424-Dr_Gabriel_Ibarra_Mejia-LM4---Large.jpg\"\/)
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